How much is property tax in Iowa?

Iowa has an average effective property tax rate of 1.39%, which ranks #10 in the US. The median homeowner pays $2,897 per year on a home worth $208,000. Your actual bill depends on your county and home value — enter them in the calculator above for an estimate.

How do I calculate property tax in Iowa?

Multiply your home's value by the effective tax rate. At Iowa's average rate of 1.39%, a home worth $208,000 would owe about $2,891 per year. Rates vary by county, so select your county in the calculator to use its local rate.

Which county in Iowa has the highest property tax?

Union County has one of the highest effective property tax rates in Iowa at 1.80%, while Lyon County is among the lowest at 0.87%. Compare all 99 counties on the Iowa property tax page.

Is Iowa property tax based on home value?

Yes. Property tax in Iowa is based on your property's assessed value, which is tied to its market value. The effective rate of 1.39% shown here represents the median taxes paid as a percentage of median home value, so it already accounts for local assessment ratios and typical exemptions.

How does Iowa compare to the national average?

Iowa's effective property tax rate of 1.39% is 51% higher than the national average of 0.92%. Among all 50 states and DC, Iowa ranks #10 for property tax rates.

Iowa Property Tax Calculator

Estimate your annual and monthly property tax by county

Iowa Property Tax Calculator

Estimate your annual property tax in Iowa. Choose a county to use its local rate.

CountyHome Value

$50k$2M

Apply homestead exemption ($100,000 reduction)

Estimated Annual Property Tax

$2,919

$243/month · Rate: 1.39%

Home Value

$210,000

Taxable Value

$210,000

Effective Rate

1.39%

Based on the Iowa statewide average rate

How Property Tax Works in Iowa

Iowa has an average effective property tax rate of 1.39%, which ranks #10 among all 50 states and DC. That rate is 51% higher than the national average of 0.92%. The median homeowner pays $2,897 per year on a home worth $208,000.

Property taxes in Iowa are levied locally, so the rate you actually pay depends on your county and taxing district. Across the state's 99 counties, effective rates range from about 0.87% in Lyon County to 1.80% in Union County. Select your county in the calculator above to use its local effective rate instead of the statewide average.

Your tax is based on your property's assessed value, not always its full market price. The effective rate used here already reflects median assessment practices, so it gives a realistic estimate. To lower your bill, check whether you qualify for a homestead or other exemption on the Iowa property tax page.

Property Tax by County in Iowa

Polk County

1.68%

Linn County

1.66%

Scott County

1.47%

Johnson County

1.52%

Black Hawk County

1.50%

Dallas County

1.41%

Woodbury County

1.45%

Story County

1.40%

Dubuque County

1.23%

Pottawattamie County

1.57%

Warren County

1.43%

Clinton County

1.53%

See rates for all 99 counties on the Iowa property tax page, or compare states with the national property tax calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (the latest available). Effective tax rates are calculated by dividing median real estate taxes paid by median home value. This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only — actual property taxes depend on local assessment practices, millage rates, and applicable exemptions. Consult your local tax assessor's office for exact figures. Last updated: July 2026.